...And if there's one thing I hate, it's wallowing in incoherence, which so many discussions about theism do.
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No. If such things were, then I suppose we'd all be theists and this thread would be moot ^^
To razor the 'deity' question, possibly the more mundane theological concepts are the best guide. Half answers of spectrum lying between binaries, but hopefully skirt the underlying paradoxes.
An observation, in this context of 'deity' associated agnosticism, theism and atheism are contingent to agnosticisms context. Even when avoiding 'deity', within this 'deity' context agnosticism probably remains still (unfortunately in my opinion) extraordinarily mutable in comparison to the other two which carry many (unfortunately paradoxical ) connotations.
Agnosticism can be vague concept, because it is possibly just that in essence.
I construe it non-exhaustively as potentially non-committal, doubtful, unknown, unsure, ignorant, sparse, utterly confused, schizoid, awed, yearning and/or ambivalent. The "strong agnostic" would be probably be realistic or pessimistic depending on one's views of the "strong agnostics" capacities.
In what I'll term my pessimistic agnosticism, I can't commit (in the philosophical context) to declaring to myself whether those poems or films are or are not 'deity'- 'might' is as far as I can go. In my mundane capacity, I'd agree they probably aren't in light of social connotations and practical context.
This is trivially true and actually ignores what I said in my previous post. Let us use some rigor here in defining what agnosticism is really referring to. It is not your favorite poem or my favorite film.
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It appears to me that if we are to consider agnosticism with respect to deities that we need to be honest about the definition of the three terms -- atheist, agnostic, and theist. So, please define them and we can continue with the discussion more easily.
Is it possible that agnosticism is a label attributed by person(s) to describe a potentially mutable position of perceived belief, doubt or ignorance in whatever context it is construed? This is how I interpret Blinking Spirit's post.
Attempting to reduce the context of agnosticism with regard to 'deities' could at minimum pose another proposition to be defined: what is 'deity'?
Subjective rhetoric: A favourite poem or film: are these examples of 'deity'?
Current illegality is partially an ethical consideration and a recognition that there is still a lot to be desired.
A broader issue is the problem of increasing longevity. Instinctively we fear death and may wish anything to avert it. Eventually, does this begin to stagnate the creation of subsequent generations or does it create a new class structure between the extraordinarily long lived and mortal?
There's the question of how productive these people will be, that is tied to how solid the cloning therapies are? How is the cloning paid for, and do these persons continue to contribute to taxation and the like? What would the retirement age rise to be?
That's not even considering the ethics of the act of cloning itself.
If you're open to trying a UB build, another card which penalises the opponents creatures for attacking is No Mercy. Dread would then also make a nice running partner for the Ghastlord.
Because your creatures should generally resolving combat damage against your opponent, sword of fire and ice would be nice option to run with the quietus spike. It sort of combines similar effects to curiosity and sigil of sleep into one, reusable package.
Many samurai are very costly mana-wise. Making a weenie mana curve can help them a lot. Alternatively, some mana acceleration like Urza's Incubator might help get out the big legends.
The support of any white samurai deck probably is Nagao, Bound by Honor, he'll be a real removal magnet, so 3 copies wouldn't be too bad.
The 2 drops are fantastic when the Bushido kicks in. To get the most out of it, forcing the opponent to attack is a great way to kill their smaller creatures and tap out their bigger ones. So if you're keen on mixing red in, try: Fumiko the Lowblood.
Xanth: The broken shadow from the swords on the Knights is a great idea. Really adds even more depth to the image and an extra dimension to the bevel of the type box.
Laura Lou: That super imposed paintbrush on the Ad Nauseum is a really nice touch. Love the highlights on the skin of the Island lady.
@ sandreline: Your space-scape is beautiful. The stardust(?) coming from the angel just makes it sublime. Did you paint all of them with the tip of a paintbrush?
http://www.bromart.com/gallery/DarkFuture/index.html#
I think it's been used for Ultra-Pro binders/ sleeves etc.
To the best of my knowledge I don't think it's a MTG cards artwork.
Rotting Rats is reusable, but effects you too. Ravenous Rats or Corrupt Court Official would probably serve a better role.
If you're open to non-spectres, Dauthi Slayer or Ink-fathom Infilitrator could be excellent with Specter's Shroud, Quietus Spike or even Hatred.
Best of luck, I like the theme a lot.
An unexpected alter:
To razor the 'deity' question, possibly the more mundane theological concepts are the best guide. Half answers of spectrum lying between binaries, but hopefully skirt the underlying paradoxes.
An observation, in this context of 'deity' associated agnosticism, theism and atheism are contingent to agnosticisms context. Even when avoiding 'deity', within this 'deity' context agnosticism probably remains still (unfortunately in my opinion) extraordinarily mutable in comparison to the other two which carry many (unfortunately paradoxical ) connotations.
Agnosticism can be vague concept, because it is possibly just that in essence.
I construe it non-exhaustively as potentially non-committal, doubtful, unknown, unsure, ignorant, sparse, utterly confused, schizoid, awed, yearning and/or ambivalent. The "strong agnostic" would be probably be realistic or pessimistic depending on one's views of the "strong agnostics" capacities.
In what I'll term my pessimistic agnosticism, I can't commit (in the philosophical context) to declaring to myself whether those poems or films are or are not 'deity'- 'might' is as far as I can go. In my mundane capacity, I'd agree they probably aren't in light of social connotations and practical context.
bigup: Love the garters and those Hierachs, WOW.
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This is inspired by the style of poxy14:
But of course, no where remotely near comparable to the master.
Is it possible that agnosticism is a label attributed by person(s) to describe a potentially mutable position of perceived belief, doubt or ignorance in whatever context it is construed? This is how I interpret Blinking Spirit's post.
Attempting to reduce the context of agnosticism with regard to 'deities' could at minimum pose another proposition to be defined: what is 'deity'?
Subjective rhetoric: A favourite poem or film: are these examples of 'deity'?
A broader issue is the problem of increasing longevity. Instinctively we fear death and may wish anything to avert it. Eventually, does this begin to stagnate the creation of subsequent generations or does it create a new class structure between the extraordinarily long lived and mortal?
There's the question of how productive these people will be, that is tied to how solid the cloning therapies are? How is the cloning paid for, and do these persons continue to contribute to taxation and the like? What would the retirement age rise to be?
That's not even considering the ethics of the act of cloning itself.
Thanks for sharing. I'm still in just as much awe of how much tiny detail you packed in.
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Some devilish fan art for one of my most played cards.
Etna's eye-colour is a bit of an artistic departure, a bit of a homage to another favourite character.
That is some very intricate linework.:D Is it fine-liner on acrylics?
Wow. It's moody, menacing and quiet surreal. Love half-open structure. The grovelling just captures the nature of the transaction under way.
Dark ritual would also help cast an early Ghastlord of Fugue.
Because your creatures should generally resolving combat damage against your opponent, sword of fire and ice would be nice option to run with the quietus spike. It sort of combines similar effects to curiosity and sigil of sleep into one, reusable package.
The support of any white samurai deck probably is Nagao, Bound by Honor, he'll be a real removal magnet, so 3 copies wouldn't be too bad.
I'd try a skeleton of:
The 2 drops are fantastic when the Bushido kicks in. To get the most out of it, forcing the opponent to attack is a great way to kill their smaller creatures and tap out their bigger ones. So if you're keen on mixing red in, try: Fumiko the Lowblood.
Iizuka the Ruthless, is just plain brutal too.
Best of luck.
Laura Lou: That super imposed paintbrush on the Ad Nauseum is a really nice touch. Love the highlights on the skin of the Island lady.
- Storm World
- Underworld Dreams
- Sulfuric Vortex
- Citadel of Pain
- Everlasting Torment
- Forsaken Wastes
- Liability
But some prevent you getting the life gain out of your bloodchief ascensions.Bloodchief Ascension couples well with pressure on all permanents like:
And of course, a reusable permanent like a bitterblossom token or say bloodghast minimises their effect yourself.
Best of luck.